Nephew pleads insanity in uncle shooting

RHINELANDER (WAOW) - A Rhinelander man accused of shooting his uncle in the abdomen and critically wounding him has entered insanity pleas to three felonies.

Marcus L. Alsteens, 23, of Rhinelander, was charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, aggravated battery and injury by negligent use of a weapon or explosive in the Aug. 12 shooting of 49-year-old Justin F. Alsteens at the home they shared in Rhinelander.

An argument over household chores prompted the shooting, according to the criminal complaint.

Marcus Alsteens pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to the charges during a court appearance Monday, according to online court records.

In September, Oneida County Circuit Judge Patrick O'Melia ruled that Alsteens was competent to understand the court proceedings after reviewing a doctor's report.

With the insanity pleas, Alsteens will be further evaluated by doctors. No trial date has been set, online records said.